Dengue fever cases keep falling

Hà Nội City recorded 31,572 cases in early 2017, including seven deaths. However, the number of cases fell to 1,100, who are being treated in hospitals.— Photo hanoimoi.vn

HÀ NỘI — The number of dengue fever cases keep dropping, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Health’s Department of Preventive Medicine.

A downturn was seen in 47 out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide. However, a slight increase was recorded in three southern provinces, namely An Giang, Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu and Tây Ninh.

According to the department, from October 30-November 5, 2,744 dengue cases were reported across the country, down 17.9 per cent over the previous week. There were no fatalities in Hà Nội, one of the worst-hit localities. The city recorded a sharp decrease of 80 per cent last month (from 500 cases to 100 cases per day).

The city recorded 31,572 cases in early 2017, including seven deaths. However, the number of cases fell to 1,100, who are being treated in hospitals.

Dengue fever generally mimics flu symptoms and goes away within a week, but some cases can require hospitalisation.

Experts said dengue fever in Hà Nội had been controlled due to campaigns to kill larva and mosquitoes on a large scale.

The health ministry’s Steering Committee for Epidemic Prevention and Control has kept a close watch on developments of the disease, while stepping up the killing of mosquitoes and larva in risky areas. The ministry has also provided additional chemical spraying machines to serve these activities.

Despite the sharp fall, the preventive medicine department warns the community to not neglect preventive measures. Although cooler weather has recently reduced mosquitoes in the northern region, southern and central regions are still in the peak season for dengue fever, the department said.

Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Department of Health Hoàng Đức Hạnh said the current weather conditions were still favourable for mosquitoes.

Hà Nội still had many hot spots of dengue fever and experienced unusual weather conditions, posing a high risk for the spread of the disease, he said.

People were advised to take measures to kill mosquitoes and larva, and protect themselves from mosquitoes, while co-ordinating with authorities in spraying anti-mosquito chemicals. — VNS